The Energon Pub

The Transformers saga has captivated kids for more than 20 years. Coming on the heels of the highly anticipated live-action theatrical film being released July 3rd, by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, Cartoon Network and Hasbro, Inc. are announcing today that the next generation of the epic animated series is being jointly developed by the two entities for a 2008 debut on the network in the U.S. The eye-popping 2-D animated series is a new twist on the original high-octane, animated action-adventure series with new characters alongside legends such as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Each episode will present a standalone storyline featuring everyday heroes who do good deeds that triumph over evil. "Transformers Animated" series will be co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

Twenty-six, half-hour episodes will be produced as well as a 90-minute special of "Transformers Animated" which is scheduled for release in early 2008 on Cartoon Network in the U.S. Matt Youngberg ("Teen Titans," "The Batman") is the supervising director, Derrick Wyatt ("Teen Titans") will provide the character designs and Sam Register ("Ben 10," "Teen Titans") will serve as executive producer of the series. Marty Isenberg ("Danny Phantom," "X-Men," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") acts as head writer.

"We are thrilled to be working with the highly creative team at Cartoon Network on bringing the next chapter in the Transformers saga to kids and fans around the world," said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's Chief Operating Officer. "The animation style that Cartoon Network has developed really brings the lore and characters of the Transformers franchise alive in a way that has never been seen through animation."

"Transformers is a tried and true draw for our core audience," said Bob Higgins, senior vice president programming and development, Cartoon Network. "Kids love the surprise of 'More Than Meets the Eye,' combined with dynamic, clearly defined characters and epic storylines. We are thrilled to be working with Hasbro to help re-imagine this amazing franchise for a new generation of fans."

Set on Earth in the near future in Detroit, the alien Transformers are thrust into a world populated by humans and automatons. As visitors to Earth, the Transformers--Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Prowl, Bulkhead and Ratchet--work in the human world, interacting with the 'natives' in exciting and humorous ways. "Transformers Animated" has been created to showcase the heroic Autobots working together to battle the evil Decepticons and save Earth with kid-relatable plot lines filled with humor, distinctive character personalities, and dynamic action.

Hasbro and HPG, its licensing division, will expand the action-packed "Transformers Animated" series through toys, games, licensed merchandise and promotions around the world.

MYoung23 wrote:Detroit? LOL

This still sounds horrid.

They could have just replaced Transformers with Krypto, the Wonder Dog.

IGN wrote:In a move that will certainly raise the eyebrows of longtime Transformers fans, the series is intended as a very different take on the concept, with the heroic Autobots serving as a sort of superhero team that face threats from evil humans most of the time, rather than constantly fighting their longtime enemies, the Decepticons.

The Hollywood Reporter says the plan is to give the robots "more human qualities" on the series, to allow for kids to better identify with them. Cartoon Network's Bob Higgins tells Cartoon Network "We've used the basic Transformers and characters as a springboard, but then we're pretty much reimagining the whole thing. What we're doing with it is basically turning it into a superheroes story. We're really excited that we're able to take this decades-old property and hopefully turn it into something that kids haven't seen or expected from a Transformers series before."

Shinobi Rendar wrote:Set on Earth in the near future in Detroit, the alien Transformers are thrust into a world populated by humans and automatons. As visitors to Earth, the Transformers--Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Prowl, Bulkhead and Ratchet--work in the human world, interacting with the 'natives' in exciting and humorous ways. "Transformers Animated" has been created to showcase the heroic Autobots working together to battle the evil Decepticons and save Earth with kid-relatable plot lines filled with humor, distinctive character personalities, and dynamic action.

sniper_samurai wrote:

IGN wrote:In a move that will certainly raise the eyebrows of longtime Transformers fans, the series is intended as a very different take on the concept, with the heroic Autobots serving as a sort of superhero team that face threats from evil humans most of the time, rather than constantly fighting their longtime enemies, the Decepticons.

Crap designs + less focus on Decepticons = Pure ****

I'll give it chance but it just seems to be getting worse and worse.